Walking is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to take in a new city. On foot, you can spot the details that bring a destination to life. It’s easy to lose track of time perusing the shops along Via del Corso in Rome, exploring a bamboo grove in Kyoto, or weaving your way through the medieval medina of Fez. But there’s no quicker way to shatter the magic of these immersive cultural experiences than an uncomfortable pair of shoes.

Comfort vs. style has long been a classic conundrum for the fashion-conscious traveler. Your everyday flats aren’t necessarily the most practical for a packed itinerary, but something more orthopedic in design might have you cropping your vacation photos from the ankles up.

Some destinations call for a sturdier shoe due to rugged terrain or extreme weather—Iceland in the winter, perhaps—and in that case, you’ll need some trusty, travel-friendly boots. But when mild weather and walkable streets open up the possibilities, it gets a lot harder to choose the perfect pair.

We sorted through sneakers, sandals, slip-ons, and every style of footwear in between to find the best walking shoes for women. Our picks are designed to maximize comfort—using technology like shock absorption, memory-foam insoles, and breathable upper fabrics—without compromising style.

There is one more important element that makes for a good pair of travel shoes: versatility. If the same kicks can take you effortlessly from shopping to a 6-hour walking tour to dinner, sans blisters, you’re set. We know it’s a ludicrous ask, but planning to wear only the pair on your feet makes it much easier to pack everything else to match. Plus, those five just-in-case pairs of shoes are often what add the most weight to your luggage. Wouldn’t you rather have the extra suitcase space to pick up a few souvenir pairs?

Oh, and one last suggestion: A weekend staycation is a great way to break in your new favorite travel shoes before you go.

1 of 19Courtesy of J.Crew

Best For: Athleisure

New Balance borrows sole padding technology from their running shoes for their fashion-staple 520 sneakers. This J.Crew collaboration pair ($85) has a soft mesh and suede upper and trendy gold accents.

Best For: Lightweight Sneakers

Best For: Sandals with Support

If an easy pair of sandals is your vacation footwear of choice, you don’t need to compromise comfort. OluKai’s crisscrossed leather pair ($90) has an anatomically built footbed that feels better and better with every wear. It comes in six color options, and we love this gold and leather combo.

Best For: Quirky Espadrilles

Best For: A Little Lift

The supportive rubber outsole and 1.75-inch heel on this Born Medan sandal ($120) are perfect for pounding the pavement in style.

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7 of 19Courtesy of Cole Haan

Best For: Menswear-inspired

Made for both men and women and available in a variety of colors, Cole Haan’s Original Grand Wingtip Oxfords ($200) blend that classic brogue look with sporty sneakers. They're perfect for transitioning seamlessly from the plane to the boardroom: super comfortable, yet fancy enough to impress any client.

8 of 19Courtesy of Sperry

Best For: Perusing the Boardwalk

Sperry’s elevated take on the classic boat shoe ($95) has a feminine, perforated design and will take you from seaside to sidewalk with a rubber outsole, soft, moisture-wicking lining, and a molded EVA footbed.

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9 of 19Courtesy of Merrell

Best For: Taking to the Trails

Merrell’s Solo ($90) looks far more like a sneaker than a hiker, but they snuck in all of the basic technical components — like air cushioning in the heel and a nylon shank for arch support — to keep your feet happy for miles of trail.

10 of 19Courtesy of Zappos

Best For: Stylish Slip-ons

These pointed-toe leather sneakers by Dr. Scholl’s ($88) are the perfect casual pair to step into for a day of wandering. Cushioned memory foam insoles are designed to be comfortable for hours on your feet.

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11 of 19Courtesy of Everlane

Best For: A One-Shoe Weekend

Save precious suitcase space with a shoe that can take you from day to night. Everlane—Angelina Jolie’s go-to brand for travel shoes—makes a pair of modern loafers ($130) with a super soft, but structured leather that pairs well with jeans, skirts, business attire, and beyond.

12 of 19Courtesy of Repetto

Best For: Ballet Flats

Forget walking; try pirouetting through your trip in Repetto’s ballerina flats ($295), which are made with the same stitching technique as the brand’s ballet shoes, making them ultra-flexible.

Best For: Cute Lace-Ups

Best For: Dressing Up

Ideal for destination weddings and dinner out, this Stuart Weitzman block heel sandal ($398) gives you a lift without the accompanying pain. The insole is padded, the adjustable buckle ankle strap hides a strip of elastic, and the sole has slit detailing to allow the shoes to move with you on the dance floor. It comes in 17 colors ranging from scarlet velvet to beige leather.

Best For: Warm Weather Destinations

Best For: Day-to-Night

This black leather Clarks ankle boot will seamlessly take you from breakfast to nightlife and looks great with dresses, skirts, and denim. An OrthoLite footbed provides plenty of underfoot cushioning, and the low block heel is the perfect height for all-day wear.